Why research communication is important and how to do it

The results of your research are only useful when they reach other researchers or have an impact on society. This makes communication such an essential part of research that it is enshrined in the Higher Education Act and is often a requirement of funding organisations. Below is a list of resources available at Umeå University to help you with communication.

Benefits of research communication

Umeå University is assessed largely based on the research it communicates. When research is written about and noted in the media, this contributes to the overall impression of Umeå University. For you, good research communication leads to new collaborations, increased visibility for the research field, and improved chances of funding and gaining qualifications. This is why it is so important that you consider how, where and when to communicate your research.

Below are some examples:

Through research communication, research results can be publicised and eventually be applied practically.
Research communication enables research to contribute to public discourse.
Today, many research funding organisations require that research results be communicated to a wider audience. If you have a systematic approach to research communication, you simplify this task for yourself.
Such an approach allows you to reach the group that needs your research results the most (specific professional groups such as doctors, teachers, politicians and policy makers, patient groups, journalists, industry representatives and many others).
Through visibility and discourse you can increase public support and trust in research.
If you showcase interesting and exciting research makes Umeå University more attractive to potential students and as a partner or employer.

Make your research communication effective

Though it is the responsibility of each researcher – you, that is – to share information about your research, doing so is both challenging and time-consuming. To help with this, researchers have an array of support available from online instructions and manuals as well as from communications officers and administrators. Use the links on this page to explore available support in helping you share information on umu.se and with fellow researchers, funding organisations and the media. You can also get help setting up a communication plan.

Present your research on umu.se

The University's website is one of the most important channels for research communications. Find out more about how to work with different aspects of the web: